In 2011 across Europe, seventy percent (70%) of the garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) were hit with downy mildew. Disease outbreaks were also reported in a few U.S. coastal cities last year. U.S. growers have been preparing for the possible outbreak in summer 2012. The potential for this disease can be catastrophic as the […]
Archive for the ‘Garden Problems’ Category
Turk’s Cap Lily for Your Summer Enjoyment
Posted by Hugh on April 12th, 2012
Turk’s cap lily (Lilium superbum) is native perennial started from bulbs. The strong single stem grows up to 6 feet tall. Leaves generally form in whorls of 3-9 along the stem. The lanceolate leaves are individually upwards of 7 inches longand 1 inch wide, and rather stiff to the touch. Upwards of 1-12 flowers nod downward from 4-8″ […]
Posted in acidic soil, Butterflies, compost, Flowering Bulb, Flowers, Hummingbird, Lily (Lilium spp.), Native Plant, Perennials, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer flowering, Voles 
Comments Off on Turk’s Cap Lily for Your Summer EnjoymentBotrytis Disease in Marigolds Can Be Avoided
Posted by Hugh on April 10th, 2012
Botrytis Disease in Marigolds Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) have been long time favorite summer annuals in Southern Appalachian gardens (USDA zones 6 and 7). Marigolds come in three sizes: 18-36 inch tall “African” marigolds, 12-18 inch medians and 8 -12 inch “French” border types and in two color choices- orange and yellow. Begin planting in April or May after […]
Posted in Disease prone, Drought tolerant, Flowers, Garden Problems, Heat Tolerance, Marigold, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer flowering, Summer heat tolerant, watering tips Comments Off on Botrytis Disease in Marigolds Can Be AvoidedComplete Care of Tall Bearded Iris
Posted by Hugh on April 4th, 2012
Most gardeners plant tall bearded iris from late August through October to insure good root development before winter sets in. Spring planting is another option as iris may be purchased in containers. Bare root rhizomes need to soak overnight in water before planting. Bearded irises prefer a sunny location and a slightly acidic well-drained soil. […]
Posted in acidic soil, compost, deadheading, Disease prone, Garden Maintenance, Iris (Tall bearded), Mite susceptible, mulching, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Transplant problem, watering iris, winter hardiness Comments Off on Complete Care of Tall Bearded IrisPiedmont Azalea
Posted by Hugh on March 30th, 2012
Piedmont Azalea (R. canescens) at Callaway Gardens Early flowering Piedmont azalea (Rhododendron canescens) is one of the most common native deciduous azaleas in the southeastern U.S. It is frequently confused for pinxterbloom azalea (R. periclymenoides) which blooms 3-4 weeks later. Piedmont azalea is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 to 9. Piedmont azalea reaches a mature height between […]
Posted in acidic soil, Attracting birds, Azalea (deciduous), Bee Favorite, Butterflies, compost, Insect (Pest) Problems, mulching, Native Plant, Piedmont azalea, Pruning, Root suckering, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Trees & Shrubs, winter hardiness Comments Off on Piedmont AzaleaEvergreen Kousa Dogwood? – Depends on Where You Garden
Posted by Hugh on March 28th, 2012
Chinese (kousa) dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a small spring flowering dogwood. Kousa blooms about 2 – 3 weeks after our native flowering dogwood (C. florida) has finished. Lustrous dark green leaves begin to emerge a week or two before the lovely pointed 3- inch white bracted flowers. Fall leaf color is purplish red and not quite as vibrant […]
Posted in Chinese (kousa) dogwood, Disease resistant, Evergreens, Planting tips, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Summer heat tolerant, Trees & Shrubs, Winter Garden Interest, winter hardiness, winter injury, Winter Protection Comments Off on Evergreen Kousa Dogwood? – Depends on Where You GardenContorted Filbert Offers Great Fall And Winter Interest
Posted by Hugh on March 23rd, 2012
Contorted filbert (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’), aka Harry Lauder’s walking stick, is an 8-10 foot tall shrub. It grows in average well-drained acidic or mildly alkaline soil and thrives either in full or partial (6 hours) sunlight. Contorted filbert is usually sold in a grafted form. It is also called corkscrew hazelnut because most branches, twigs and leaves display […]
Posted in acidic soil, alkaline soil, Contorted filbert (Corylus), Propagation(grafting), Pruning, Root suckering, Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Trees & Shrubs, Weeping habit Comments Off on Contorted Filbert Offers Great Fall And Winter InterestProtect Fruit Trees and Bee Population
Posted by Hugh on March 19th, 2012
Cedar rust infection spot Warm weather in early spring means scab, cedar apple rust and powdery mildew diseases are upon the new leaves as they start to emerge. Preventative spraying for leaf diseases will result in management of additional fungi diseases through the growing season. Fungicides are protectants and not cure-alls. A light rain shower (as […]
Posted in apple orchard, Apple tree, apple varieties, Disease prone, Disease resistant, Fruits & Vegetables, Insect (Pest) Problems, Pear (Pyrus spp.), Southern Appalachian Region, Spring flowering, Uncategorized Comments Off on Protect Fruit Trees and Bee PopulationDon’t Let’em Sucker
Posted by Hugh on March 18th, 2012
Some grafted and budded shrubs and trees develop a bad habit to sending up shoots (suckering) from its rootsystem. This creates an untidy appearance around the base of shrubs and trees. Far worse, the root suckers may compete for domination over the cultivar graft. They may rob photosynthate, water and nutrients from the grafted plant. Eventually, the grafted portion may die. Gardeners select grafted plants for a number […]
Posted in Apple tree, Disease prone, Dwarf rootstocks, Insect (Pest) Problems, Pear (Pyrus spp.), Root suckering, rose virus, Roses, Uncategorized, Virus diseases Comments Off on Don’t Let’em SuckerPowis Castle Artemisia Is Exceptional
Posted by Hugh on March 16th, 2012
Most artemisias (aka “wormwood”) can not cope with the summer heat and humidity in the mid-South. Their silvery foliage tends to burn out (some say “melt out”) in mid to late summer. ‘Powis Castle’ artemisia is truly the exception. Powis Castle is likely a hybrid (Artemisia arborescens x A. absinthium Powis Castle is a bushy, woody-based perennial […]
Posted in Artemisia, Deer resistant, Disease resistant, Drought tolerant, Fertilizing plants, Heat Tolerance, Perennials, plant nutrition, Pruning, Soil drainage, Southern Appalachian Region, Summer heat tolerant, winter hardiness Comments Off on Powis Castle Artemisia Is Exceptional
